This study was conducted to investigate the varietal differences in leaf senescence and the relationship between leaf senescence and photosynthesis during ripening stage of rice. During grain filling period, leaf senescence was evaluated by SPAD readings (an indirect indicator of chlorophyll content) for 3 rice varieties (SNU-SG1, Hwaseongbyeo, Nampungbyeo). SPAD value of flag leaf and 2nd leaf of SNU-SG1 were much higher than the other varieties and the leaves of SNU-SG1 also showed a tendency of delayed senescence as compared to the other varieties. Photosynthesis at light saturation (Pmax) of flag, 2nd and 3rd leaf in SNU-SG1 during grain filling period were much higher than Hwaseongbyeo and Nampungbyeo. The Pmax of the flag leaf in SNU-SG1 was especially higher over 20% than the other varieties. It was due to its higher mesophyll conductance and stomatal conductance as compared to the other varieties. Pmax, stomatal conductance and mesophyll conductance had positive correlation with SPAD value and nitrogen concentration of leaves. In conclusion, the stay green characteristics of SNU-SG1 would contribute to increasing the grain yield through the improved photosynthesis during grain filling.